The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-04-23
Our Yonmg People.
A FLOWER FABLE.

because they were tall and strong, anC
loved to rule. Some of them did well
others were tyrannical or careless, and al
were fond of money and power, as theil
name showed; but the flowers never dared
to propose having any one else,. because
this had been the custom so long.
Now there were great many Asters Of
every kind and color, from the little white
stars low in the grass to the stately sprays
waving their purple plumes over the
messy wall that enclosed the meadow.
Those growing along the roadside saw
were wise, energetic creatures, anxious to
set things right everywhere. So they be-
gan to say to their neighbors, one Aut-
umn, as the time for election drew near
eve havehad kings long enough; let us
try queen now, and reform certain very
important matters which are always neg
lected by the Golden-rods, who care only
for feasting and fighting and having
their own way. Let us vote for our Violet,
who grows over there in the palace, and
would make wise, good queen"
At this proposal, the aristocratic Cardin-
al Flowers were shocked, and grew red
with shame, the Fringed Gentians shut
their blue eyes and nearly tainted at the
bold idea, and Clematis hid her face in
the grass, that she might not see the IN
feminine creatures who dared suggest
such thing. But the late Clovers and
Buttercups, being honest, supplemented
flowers, cried, Eyes, yes, let us do it and
give the Asters turn, as is only fair"
And the Forefathers' Cup, which grew
all over the field, added
"We shall vote for Violet. It is time the
dreadful intemperance OF the bees among
the wild grapes should be stopped, that
snakes should no longer be allowed to
charm and kill the innocent birds, that
the battles Of the ants should end, and
more peace, order and economy be intro
duced into our public affairs. The Asters
are descended from the stars, and SO are
very wise; they are also just and gentle,
and we all love them. Let us try queen,
and see If we cannot make the meadow
what it should be-"
The Forefathers' Cup were much re-
spected by all the plants, because they
came over in the "Mayhower," were very
hospitable, with their green and russell
pitchers always full, and outlived the
frost, like fine old family as they we're.
So, when they spoke up for the Astere,
no one dared say much, though the Gold
en-rods ragged among themselves, and
openly laughed at such nonsense. There
was great excitement; and all the flowers
nodded and rustled as if gale was blow
ing, as they talked the matter over and
decided how they would vote. The
naughty Cardinal declined to vote at all.
So did the Gentians. And delicate Gle
mats declared that she only wanted some
thing to cling to and obey; and never
would consent to be queen.
But the Clovers and Buttercups, the
Pitcher Plant and all the Astere, voted
bravely for Violet, and the Maple Tree,
that stood in the middle of the field, dropp-
ed little red leaf with V on it, as the
wind went about collecting votes, which
surprised the flowers very much, as such
a thing had never happened before, and
all regarded the beautiful tree as their
court poet, it made such lovely music
high above them. Even the old green
Rock at the foot of the Maple gave bit
of its lichens for Violet, to the great wrath
of the grapevine who kept a drinking-sa-
loon for the dissipated bees on its sunny
side.
OF course the Golden-rods all voted for
their handsome relative, fine, tall plant
who happened to grow near the Purple
Aster under the Maple Tree, which was
called the palace. But the other side won,
and Violet was proclaimed queen with
great rejoicing by all her friends and
neighbors, to the great dismay of the
foolish flowers who wanted the world to
stand still.
''What are we coming to?" groaned the
Cardinals, red with rage.
Otter destruction p'croaked the Crows
Tapping away to carry the bad news else
where.
1--WE will never visit her" declared
the Gentians, shaking their fringes as if
the mere thought soiled them.
Coarse, unfeminine creature, to dare
to rule alone 1t makes me faint to look
at her" sighed Clematis, peeping up all
the same, full of curiosity to see how hand
some Golden-rod took his downfall.
He tossed his yellow head in scornful
silence, and never once looked over the
tuft of ferns that grew between him and
the new queen.
sit won't last long; she can't reign
alone, and soon will be ready to give it up.
These silly things will learn a good les
son, and be glad to get me back. So I'll
preserve my dignity, and bide my time"
he said to his friends; for he was fine
fellow, only he did not know yet what
Asters could do when they had the power,
and it was he who learned the lesson, as
we shall see.
Every one thought that She queens
head would be turned with this sudden
change, and that great festivities would
be held in honor of it. SO the Cardinals
and Contains half regretted their resolu-